Implications for people with dementia
who develop diabetes
If people with dementia are unable to recognise
or communicate symptoms of diabetes, the
diagnosis may be missed or delayed. Worsening
confusion from dehydration caused by
hyperglycaemia-induced diuresis may be attributed
to the progression of dementia. The frequent need
to urinate increases the risk of falls or development
of incontinence if an individual forgets where the
toilet is. Significant changes in diet and the need
for blood glucose monitoring or insulin injections
may cause distress if the individual is unable to
understand that they have diabetes.